Epstein Birthday Scrapbook Photo Suggests Trump Was Involved in $22,500 “Purchase” of Woman

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A newly released photo from Jeffrey Epstein’s 50th birthday scrapbook has sparked fresh outrage and intensified scrutiny of President Donald Trump’s past relationship with the disgraced financier. The image, released Monday by Democrats on the House Oversight Committee, shows Epstein holding a novelty check for $22,500, allegedly signed by Trump, with a note implying that a woman was “sold” to him in the 1990s.

The caption, attributed to Joel Pashcow — a longtime Mar-a-Lago member and Palm Beach socialite — reads:

“Jeffrey showing early talents with money + women! Sells ‘fully depreciated’ [redacted] to Donald Trump for $22,500.”
It continues:

“Epstein showed early ‘people skills’ too. Even though I handled the deal I didn’t get any of the money on the girl!”

The woman’s face is redacted in the image, and her identity remains officially undisclosed. The Wall Street Journal reported that the woman was someone whom both Epstein and Trump “socialized with” during the 1990s. However, her attorney has publicly denied any romantic relationship with either man, saying she was unaware of the photo, never knew Pashcow, and described the suggestion as a “disgusting and deeply disturbing hoax.”

The novelty check appears to be signed “DJ Trump” — a stylized version of Trump’s signature, though notably different from his more formal autograph during that period. The implications of the photo are now under examination by congressional investigators, particularly as it appears to connect Trump and Epstein in a more personal and troubling way.

Attempts to contact Joel Pashcow, who appears in the photo alongside Epstein, have not been successful. His name appears in Epstein’s flight logs, and he is known to reside in Palm Beach, Florida — near Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate. Public records list him as managing member of Nassau Capital, an investment firm, and a past board member of the Palm Beach Police and Fire Foundation. In a 2020 Mother Jones interview, Pashcow reportedly dismissed questions about Epstein by saying, “You’re really pathetic, you know that?”

The image is one of several explosive details revealed as House Oversight Committee Democrats continue to release excerpts from Epstein’s so-called “birthday book” — a professionally bound scrapbook created for his 50th birthday in 2003. The book, believed to have been assembled by Epstein’s close associate Ghislaine Maxwell (now serving a 20-year prison sentence for sex trafficking), includes letters, notes, and photos from a who’s who of Epstein’s associates, including Trump, Bill Clinton, and others.

The scrapbook is part of an ongoing investigation into Epstein’s network and the individuals who socialized and potentially collaborated with him.

Ukrainian Refugee Iryna Zarutska’s Look of Horror After She Was Fatally Stabbed on Train — As Her Final Moments Are Revealed

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Slaughtered Ukrainian refugee Iryna Zarutska looked up at her killer with terror in her eyes after he repeatedly stabbed her with a pocket knife, as no passengers came immediately to her aid, disturbing newly-released surveillance footage shows.

The new extended clip from the Aug. 22 attack on the Lynx Blue Line train shows the 23-year-old cowering in fear and covering her face with her hands after the shocking, unprovoked attack, allegedly carried out by homeless repeat felon Decarlos Brown Jr.

Zarutska, who had come to the US in 2022 seeking safety after Russia invaded her country, pulls up her legs, which can be seen spattered with blood in the video.

It comes as the FBI announced on Monday that Brown was hit with federal charges on top of the state murder rap he already faces. The penalty includes the possibility of the death sentence if he is convicted.

She then falls to the floor about 15 seconds later, the video shows. (Read more from “Ukrainian Refugee Iryna Zarutska’s Look of Horror After She Was Fatally Stabbed on Train — As Her Final Moments Are Revealed” HERE)

Photo credit: Flickr

“They Won’t Be Doing It Again”: Trump Cites Venezuelan Drug Boat Strike as a Deterrent

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President Donald Trump defended a powerful U.S. military strike against an alleged Venezuelan drug-smuggling vessel, asserting the lethal operation will serve as a stark warning to cartels.

In remarks while hosting Polish President Karol Nawrocki at the White House, Trump defended the fatal action, which reportedly killed 11 individuals aboard the vessel, branding it a necessary move to stem drug trafficking into the United States.

“There was massive amounts of drugs coming into our country to kill a lot of people, and everybody fully understands that,” Trump said. “Obviously, they won’t be doing it again. And I think a lot of other people won’t be doing it again. When they watch that tape, they’re going to say, ‘Let’s not do this.’”

The strike broke with conventional U.S. drug interdiction methods, which typically emphasize arrests and seizures, not lethal force. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Secretary of State Marco Rubio supported the escalation, with Rubio warning that such operations “will happen again.” Hegseth added that officials “knew exactly who was in that boat” and how it was being used.

The U.S. Navy strike, carried out in international waters, marks a shift toward treating drug trafficking operations with counter-terrorism tactics—a direction facilitated by a Trump-era designation of cartels as “foreign terrorist organizations.” The target, an alleged vessel operated by the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua, was described as “narco‑terrorists” by administration officials.

This strike comes amid a heightened U.S. military presence near Venezuela, including warship deployments and increased navy and Marine activity.

Photo credit: Flickr

Trump Maintains Epstein Birthday Letter Is “Fake” as Alleged Note Surfaces in Records Turned Over to Congress

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Lawyers for Jeffrey Epstein’s estate have submitted a copy of Epstein’s infamous 50th birthday book to Congress — including a controversial letter bearing Donald Trump’s signature that he has repeatedly claimed does not exist.

On Monday, members of the House Oversight Committee confirmed receipt of the book and the letter, which was originally reported by The Wall Street Journal in July. The book, professionally bound in 2003, includes messages from dozens of Epstein’s associates — among them, Donald Trump, Bill Clinton, and billionaire Leon Black. Some notes were harmless birthday wishes, while others reportedly featured sexual references, drawings, or provocative imagery.

The letter attributed to Trump is among the more graphic. According to WSJ reporting, it featured typewritten text framed by the outline of a naked woman, ending with the message: “Happy Birthday — and may every day be another wonderful secret.” The letter was signed “Donald” in a stylized, squiggly manner positioned under the woman’s waistline to mimic pubic hair.

Trump has denied any connection to the letter, calling it “a fake thing.” He has since filed a defamation lawsuit against the Wall Street Journal, its parent company News Corp, and several of its reporters, arguing the letter is fabricated and defamatory. In response, a Dow Jones spokesperson stated, “We have full confidence in the rigor and accuracy of our reporting.”

Now, with the birthday book delivered under subpoena by House Oversight Chair Rep. James Comer (R-Ky.), the contents are expected to receive further congressional review. The subpoena followed a July 25 letter from Democratic Reps. Robert Garcia and Ro Khanna urging Epstein’s estate to release the book “to assist in bringing transparency and accountability.”

Rep. Garcia, the committee’s Democratic ranking member, issued a strong statement Monday:

“President Trump called the Epstein investigation a hoax and claimed that his birthday note didn’t exist. Now we know that Donald Trump was lying and is doing everything he can to cover up the truth. Enough of the games and lies — release the full files now.”

The book was compiled by Epstein’s close associate Ghislaine Maxwell in 2003, prior to Epstein’s first arrest in 2006. Maxwell has since acknowledged to Justice Department officials that she helped assemble the book, though she claimed she could not recall who contributed what.

Trump, Clinton, and roughly 20 others were listed in the book under the “Friends” section, according to WSJ. Trump and Epstein were known to socialize in Palm Beach, Florida, during the 1990s. Flight logs show Trump flew on Epstein’s private jet, and the financier was photographed at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate multiple times.

Trump has claimed he cut ties with Epstein years before his 2019 arrest, citing a personal falling-out after Epstein allegedly recruited staff away from the Mar-a-Lago club. However, WSJ reported that Trump’s name appears multiple times in government files related to Epstein — a fact the Justice Department reportedly informed him of in May. The department emphasized that being named in such files does not indicate criminal wrongdoing.

Meanwhile, efforts to release more Epstein-related materials remain stalled. The Justice Department stated in July that no “client list” exists and declined to release further records — a decision that sparked backlash from some of Trump’s political allies, who had previously demanded transparency.

Photo credit: Flickr

West Point Abruptly Cancels Award Ceremony for Tom Hanks

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The alumni association of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point has abruptly cancelled an award celebration for actor Tom Hanks, one of former President Joe Biden’s celebrity supporters.

Hanks, 69, was set to be honored with a ceremony and parade on Sept. 25 to commemorate his advocacy for service members through his films, TV shows, and support for efforts such as establishing a national memorial for President Dwight D. Eisenhower and the National WWII Museum in New Orleans.

That day of celebration has been put on hold for now. One former instructor told The Washington Post that the decision appears to have been rooted in avoiding an “uncomfortable” relationship between West Point leadership and the White House.

That was not the official reason provided by the alumni association. Instead, the Post reports it said in an internal email on Friday that the cancellation, which it apologized for, was necessary to maintain its focus on producing future military officers for war.

“This decision allows the Academy to continue its focus on its core mission of preparing cadets to lead, fight, and win as officers in the world’s most lethal force, the United States Army,” wrote Retired Army Col. Mark Bieger, who earned a Silver Star for combat valor in Iraq. (Read more from “West Point Abruptly Cancels Award Ceremony for Tom Hanks” HERE)

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Top DOJ Official Spills Epstein Cover-Up in Shocking Honeypot Sting; DOJ Posts “Embarrassing Apology”

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The Justice Department is facing intensified scrutiny following the release of a clandestine video in which DOJ Acting Deputy Chief Joseph Schnitt reportedly admitted plans to politically shape disclosures tied to the Jeffrey Epstein case.

In the video released by political activist James O’Keefe of O’Keefe Media Group, Schnitt is seen telling an undercover operative—who he met through the dating app Hinge—that Epstein-related documents would be “redact[ed] every Republican or conservative person in those files, leave all the liberal, Democratic people in those files” to deliver a decidedly one-sided narrative. He further alleged that Ghislaine Maxwell’s transfer to a minimum-security facility violated Bureau of Prisons policy—suggesting it was a “benefit … to keep her mouth shut.”

Schnitt also claimed internal conflict within the DOJ, describing Attorney General Pam Bondi as a “yes person” aligned with former President Trump, while FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino pushed for broader file release.

The department swiftly denied the claims, calling them baseless and unrelated to its internal process. A DOJ spokesperson stated Schnitt’s comments “have absolutely zero bearing with reality and reflect a total lack of knowledge of the DOJ’s review process.”

The video emerges amidst mounting political pressure for full disclosure of Epstein-related documents. House Oversight Committee members recently made 33,000 pages available publicly—though Democrats argue that only ~3% of those pages contained new information.

Republicans and Democrats alike are pushing for further transparency. Figures such as Rep. Thomas Massie (R) and Rep. Ro Khanna (D) are spearheading bipartisan efforts to compel a full release of all unclassified DOJ materials.

Meanwhile, former President Trump dismissed the controversy as a partisan “Democrat Epstein Hoax,” calling for it to end while some GOP lawmakers continue to call for more disclosures.

Questions remain: Was Schnitt’s off-the-record admission a true reflection of internal DOJ intent—or merely personal conjecture? How many truly new documents remain unreleased?

Feud Explodes as Country Star Slams Megachurch Pastor Joel Osteen: ‘You’re Not Going to See Him Do That’

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A bizarre feud has ignited between country star John Rich and megachurch pastor Joel Osteen after the singer accused the televangelist of omitting a key teaching from the Bible in his sermons.

Former Lonestar bassist Rich has slammed Osteen for allegedly avoiding talking about the 24th chapter of the Book of Matthew in the New Testament, which outlines the ‘end times’, because it would make congregants feel ‘uncomfortable’.

The chapter in question begins with the disciples asking Jesus: ‘What will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?’

Jesus responds by warning them that they will face a perilous period of ‘famines and earthquakes’ while being confronted with false Messiahs, adding that his actual coming will be unexpected.

Speaking on the Shawn Ryan Show on Wednesday, Rich, 51, described the passage at length before accusing Osteen, 62, of omitting the key teachings from his preaching because ‘it’s very uncomfortable for Christians to have to think about’.

‘To say that God would never make his people go through something like that is one of the most ignorant, spiritually ignorant things a person could say,’ Rich said. (Read more from “Feud Explodes as Country Star Slams Megachurch Pastor Joel Osteen: ‘You’re Not Going to See Him Do That'” HERE)

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“We Know Their Names”: Epstein Survivors Vow to Make Their Own List

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On September 3, 2025, survivors of Jeffrey Epstein held an emotional two‑hour news conference just outside the U.S. Capitol, calling for transparency, justice, and resolute action in the aftermath of their years of abuse. Many attendees spoke publicly for the first time, delivering deeply personal testimonies that revealed the harrowing world behind Epstein’s exploitation—and what they hope comes next.

Survivors described being duped as teenage masseuses into predatory environments. One recounted the chilling reality of being coached into the exploitative roles, while Haley Robson, appearing in media coverage earlier, revealed she was coerced into recruiting other teenage girls. Robson said she was paid per recruit, saying, “I was told it would be possibly in your bra and underwear, but it would just be a massage.”

Another survivor, Marina Lacerda—long identified as “minor victim one”—spoke about being lured under the guise of opportunity, only to be trapped in abuse that derailed her education and childhood.

For years, investigators have asserted that no formal “client list” of powerful individuals associated with Epstein exists. Yet survivors are now proactively taking matters into their own hands. At the press conference, Lisa Phillips—who runs a podcast for Epstein survivors—announced:

“We have been discussing creating our own list. We know the names… it will be done by survivors, for survivors. Stay tuned.”

Attorney Brad Edwards clarified that no official list was found in Epstein’s records, and emphasized that while survivors know who was in “his world,” any naming would come with serious legal risks. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene backed up survivors’ rights to hold their collaborators accountable; she offered to publicly read their list in Congress—protected by the Speech or Debate Clause, if given permission

Meanwhile, at a simultaneous White House event, President Trump dismissed the renewed focus on Epstein and the push for document transparency as a “Democrat hoax that never ends,” urging the public to shift attention to the “greatness of our country.”

Survivors were joined by bipartisan lawmakers—Rep. Ro Khanna (D-CA), Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY), and Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA)—to press for the release of all documents related to the Epstein and Maxwell case. They criticized the Justice Department’s recent release of over 30,000 pages as heavily redacted and largely redundant, with many key files still withheld.

Rep. Khanna framed the fight as fundamental to restoring trust: “A nation that allows rich and powerful men to traffic and abuse young girls without consequence… has lost its moral and spiritual core.”

Victims and families—including those of Virginia Giuffre, who died earlier this year—criticized Trump’s “hoax” characterization. Giuffre’s family called out the administration, insisting that the survivors’ demand for justice will not fade.

Survivors have clearly declared their intent: justice, truth, and closure. Whether through full governmental transparency or survivor‑led accountability, their resolve endures. The release—or potential disclosure—of the “client list” could reignite legal and political ramifications.

Trump Administration Cancels Army Program After Officer Participation Plummets

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The Trump administration has officially scrapped the Army’s Command Assessment Program (CAP) — a leadership evaluation system that incorporated psychological testing, peer feedback, and behavioral analysis into the promotion process for senior officers — following years of declining participation and controversy within the ranks.

The decision marks a sharp break from the Army’s recent attempts to modernize its promotion pipeline by reducing bias and incorporating non-traditional metrics like emotional intelligence and cognitive capacity. CAP, introduced in 2020 and formally codified in early 2025 under former Army Secretary Christine Wormuth.

According to internal Army documents, the program used a range of psychometric tools to measure leadership traits such as self-awareness, conscientiousness, and emotional intelligence. Each year, approximately 2,000 senior officers were invited to undergo the assessments as part of the process to fill key command positions.

But the program struggled to gain traction. By 2024, more than half of eligible officers — 54% — declined to participate, up from 40% in 2019. Critics within the ranks argued the assessments were overly subjective, bureaucratic, and disconnected from actual field performance.

Army Secretary Dan Driscoll placed the program under review last month before officially pausing it. The Army will now revert to the Centralized Selection List (CSL) process, which evaluates candidates based on their service record, prior assignments, and evaluations from senior leaders — a more traditional method long favored by military brass.

The termination of CAP also aligns with a broader Defense Department review, ordered in June, to evaluate how officer promotions are conducted across all branches. The June 20 memo from the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness called for a return to selection methods that emphasize proven performance and experience over experimental assessment tools.

With CAP now shelved, the Army will re-center its leadership selection process around the CSL system. Proponents argue this will restore confidence and objectivity to promotions.

Medical Examiner Uncovers Cause of Death for US Attorney Who Prosecuted Leaker

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Police revealed the cause of death for former U.S. Attorney Jessica Aber on Monday, months after she died in her sleep at home in March.

The medical examiner’s office in Alexandria, Virginia says the former official died from a “sudden unexpected death in epilepsy,” according to the Virginian-Pilot. Police had said earlier this year that they had “found no evidence suggesting that her death was caused by anything other than natural causes.”

(see the earlier story HERE about Ms. Aber’s work on CIA leak cases and Russian fraud)

Aber’s family had released a statement to the press shortly after her death noting that she had suffered from epilepsy and related seizures “for many years.”

Aber, 43, worked as the U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia from 2021 to 2025 before stepping down on Jan. 20, the same day that President Donald Trump returned to the White House.

In her resignation letter, she called her role “an honor beyond measure.” (Read more from “Medical Examiner Uncovers Cause of Death for US Attorney Who Prosecuted Leaker” HERE)

Photo credit: U.S. Department of Justice Archives